Commercial companies have become part and parcel of modern-day fishing. The industry is rife with such businesses, and each one is promoting high-cost processes to maximize returns. In between, there are many “fishing families,” which run smaller businesses with the idea of employing artisanal fishing techniques. This read is going to dig deeper into the […]

Commercial companies have become part and parcel of modern-day fishing.

The industry is rife with such businesses, and each one is promoting high-cost processes to maximize returns. In between, there are many “fishing families,” which run smaller businesses with the idea of employing artisanal fishing techniques.

This read is going to dig deeper into the idea of artisanal fishing and all that it has to offer those who are still using it as an option for their needs.

What Is Artisan Fishing?

Artisinal fishing revolves around the premise of using low-cost, small-scale operations for capturing fish. Their methods are closer to traditional techniques passed down over generations to catch smaller amounts per trip. In the modern age, artisanal fishing is seen as an opportunity for fishing households around the world.

Due to the smaller amount of fish, the produce is rarely processed and is instead used by the local populace.

This varies from place to place but is often a constant in such scenarios.

Artisanal Fishing Techniques

1) Longline

This is an extension of the traditional hook and line method. The idea is to set up a long hook and try to get more fish in a shorter period. It works well while looking to increase numbers. The line is dropped and has attached hooks, which grab onto the fish in one go.

2) Hook

This is classic fishing 101 one would imagine as the fishermen grab their fishing shirts and go out on sea in a small boat. The hook and line have been around for generations in artisanal fishing and remains a potent option for those who want to catch fish.

3) Gill Nets

A fish’s gills can cause a lot of grief, if they’re not paying attention to what’s in front of them. The gill can get trapped in the net, which is why it is used for specific fish. All other fish go through the net while the one that matters gets caught. This is often used when looking for a particular type.

4) Traps

This is just as one would imagine it to be. The idea is to set a simple trap, which lures a fish in with a piece of food. As soon as the fish swims into the danger area, it is caught by the laid out trap. These are precisely placed in soft areas where a fish will not notice the trap and passively swim inside.

5) Dredging

Dredges are weighted bags, which are used to get any living organism near the bottom of the ocean. As soon as the dredge is laid down, it can scoop up any living organism in one shot. This is often reserved for bottom dwellers for this reason as they’re hard to reach.

Artisan Fishing vs Large Scale Fishing

1) Number of Fishers Employed

The scale is smaller, and in most cases, a fishing household will only have a few employees or fishers onboard. The same does not apply to commercial companies who are looking to spend millions on their expeditions out into the water.

2) Fuel Consumption

In general, the fuel consumption is seven times less for artisanal fishing in comparison to commercial fishing. This has to do with the number of trips being made out deeper into the sea while looking for new catches. They are also churning out more per day than artisanal fishing has to offer.

3) Subsidies

How much money do commercial companies end up getting in comparison to fishing households?

Commercial companies produce more, so they obtain more in subsidies. It’s all about supply and demand in such situations and that is where commercial companies come out on top.

4) Discarded Sealife

One of the biggest concerns with commercial companies is the amount of discarded sealife they have under their watch. Artisinal fishing isn’t wasteful nor does it leave anything behind. Commercial companies are precise and have built-in methods to get rid of fish that don’t matter.

This is important for fishing households and why they prefer these techniques.